Rev Up Your Engines: Top-5 Alternatives to Need for Speed Unbound

The adrenaline rush of a high-speed chase, the thrill of executing a perfect drift around a sharp bend, the joy of crossing the finish line first - these are the experiences that make racing games so compelling. One such game that has captured gamers' hearts is Need for Speed Unbound. However, if you're looking to expand your horizons beyond this title, we've got you covered. Here are five alternative racing games that offer incredible gameplay, engaging stories and immersive settings.

1. Forza Horizon 4

Forza Horizon 4 is an open-world racing game developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft Studios. This game offers an exhilarating blend of arcade and simulation driving with a diverse range of vehicles and breathtakingly realistic graphics.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

In Forza Horizon 4, players participate in various races across fictional representations of areas in Great Britain. With over 700 cars available to collect and drive – from off-road beasts to luxury sports cars – there's no shortage of choices here. The game operates on a dynamic season system that changes weekly. Each season brings its own set of challenges and events which keeps the gameplay fresh. The storyline isn't as pronounced as in other titles but the real star here is simply the joyous exploration and discovery within its open world.

2. Burnout Paradise Remastered

Burnout Paradise Remastered is another wonderful alternative to NFS Unbound. Developed by Criterion Games and published by Electronic Arts, this game delivers an exhilarating sense of speed like few others can.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Set in the fictional 'Paradise City', Burnout Paradise Remastered tasks players with participating in a variety of races and events. The game's unique selling point is its emphasis on aggressive driving and spectacular crashes. The game doesn’t have a traditional storyline; instead, it lets the player explore Paradise City at their own pace, engaging in different types of races and challenges to become the ultimate driving legend. With its impressive graphics upgrade from the original, the remastered version truly brings Paradise City to life.

3. The Crew 2

The Crew 2 is a massively multiplayer online racing game developed by Ivory Tower and published by Ubisoft. Offering not just cars but boats and planes too, this game takes racing to another level.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

The Crew 2 is set in an open world environment that represents the whole USA. It features a wide range of vehicles - cars, bikes, boats and aircraft - which can be used to traverse across land, water or air. In terms of story, players take on the role of a racer working their way up to become a successful motorsport champion. This journey takes them across various disciplines like street racing, off-road racing, pro racing and freestyle.

4. Dirt Rally 2.0

If you're looking for something more realistic than most arcade-style racers offer then Dirt Rally 2.0 could be your best bet. Developed by Codemasters, it focuses on providing an authentic rallying experience.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Dirt Rally 2.0 offers various iconic rally locations from around the world where you can test your skills on diverse terrain types under challenging weather conditions. While there's no specific narrative here – as is common in most simulation racing games – the main focus is on mastering the art of rally driving. The game provides a realistic driving experience with its meticulous attention to detail, from car handling to track degradation.

5. Project Cars 2

Project Cars 2 is a motorsport racing simulator developed by Slightly Mad Studios and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment. It offers an incredibly detailed and authentic racing experience for true motorheads.

Gameplay, Story, and Setting

Project Cars 2 offers a vast selection of cars and tracks along with different weather conditions that genuinely affect your racing experience. You can race in various disciplines like Rallycross, IndyCar, and GT. While there's no traditional storyline in this game either, it offers a compelling career mode where players start from the bottom and work their way up through different series to become the ultimate champion.

In conclusion, while Need for Speed Unbound delivers an exhilarating racing experience, these five alternatives each offer unique twists on the genre that are sure to keep your pulse pounding and your engine revving.